“Except for the word consequences this quote makes me think of the little things that we can do for people. Small kind gestures that when paid forward could possibly change someone’s life!”

It’s the little things we do, day in and day out, that can truly make a difference for someone else. It doesn’t have to take a lot of our time. It doesn’t have to take any of our money. Simple. Small. Love in action.

You’ll get out of life what you put into it. Sure, some days it may not seem like that. Some days you may question why you even try to be nice. Yet, in this journey we’re on, on this path we’re taking through life – what is it that really binds us together? It’s love, in all it’s forms. And that includes love for our neighbors, our friends, a stranger passing in the night…

What could our world be like? What if there was more love? Less indifference? More caring? Less hatred? More understanding? Less malcontent?

Everyday we can make a difference. Everyday we can be a light onto the world. Everyday we can offer up small gestures of love.

We all have the same 24 hours in every day. How we use them is up to us. Today is your day! Today is your moment to bring brightness to those in your community, to those in your world! One small gesture at a time…

Lance writes stories from his heart, aiming to inspire and motivate, as you align more fully with YOUR true peak. When he's not here, you can find him hanging out with his family, riding a bike, or just generally acting goofy.
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I believe bridges exist everywhere. It is a case of human beings choosing not to notice what is already there right in front of them. Love is like a kind of antidote that prompts people to open their senses that had inadvertently closed. As you say, people will get out of life something comparable to what they presume they put in. This will be immeasurable and imperceptible until the time when people choose otherwise.

It is wild how people who connect on a daily basis end up writing simular things. Last week 3 people I read wrote about the inner child. Today you wrote this and I wrote my post concerning a similar topic. If anyone doubts we are connected, I implore them to take a look at the blogging community and watch how without discussion, our thoughts are comingled. It is very cool. Thanks Lance.

Lance, you have taught me many times over about the importance of these small gestures both by words and by example. On Sunday at church, I was thinking about the importance of this and how I want to shed more light in the world. At the end of class a lady dropped a big stack of papers. I thought, “Here’s a chance.” So I went over and bent down and picked it up for her. She was grateful, but her husband was almost speechless. He said, “People don’t do that anymore. That is so rare.” It just goes to show the importance and impact of these “little” things.

Thank you Lance for helping me shed more light. Your light is being passed on to the world in many ways.

Yes it is all of the little things that we do that make a difference. The key is what type of difference do we intend to make. In the end there is no difference between the little things and the big things for all things affect us. The inauguration of Obamba today is not one big thing, it is the result of many little things.

cute pic! Well last friday I wanted to spread the love so I took a cup of sbux to my dearest friend Melissa at her work, she was so surprised and felt so loved! I know that Random Acts of Kindness is one of my love languages so I love to do the same for others, but sometimes get to wrapped up in the craziness of life!

Lance, don’t you love the way the Universe cooperates when you set an intention to do something. Since I made the committment to work on giving out more acts of kindness in 2009, reminders have come to me from many of the blog articles that I have been reading.

If we could believe the little gestures really do matter, I think life could appear less overwhelming. Grand gestures aren’t necessarily better…and they cause too much stress. Little things count…Thank you for the uplifting thoughts again!

“It’s the little things we do, day in and day out, that can truly make a difference for someone else. It doesn’t have to take a lot of our time. It doesn’t have to take any of our money. Simple. Small. Love in action.” <—- YES, YES! I like the idea of putting notes on the cars. Another that I like to do is buy the coffee for the individual behind me at Starbucks. Thanks Lance!

I have been thinking a lot about the little things lately. Often we are shocked at how a few little words can devastate a life, sometimes forever. Your post reminds us that a few little words, can also change and add to a life, often times forever. Thanks Lance, for another great post!

Hi Lance: About a week ago I was standing at a cash register in a cafeteria paying for a sandwich I had just ordered. I was counting to see if I had exact change and since I didn’t have it, I told the lady that was ringing me up and reached into my purse to pull out a bill. The man standing behind me understood that I didn’t have enough money to pay for the sandwich and offered to give me the money I needed. Even though I didn’t need it, I was touched by the fact that he so readily offered to help. Doing little things for other people can definitely add up.

This is a beautiful sentiment.I love the quote you used.
It brings to mind when my boyfriend left the line he was in at the bank- to help an elderly lady with a walker,having trouble with the door.
The bank was full but he left his place to help her out and on to the sidewalk.She was so grateful to him.He said her smile was compared to a bright August sun.
This was his reward before returning to the back of the line inside a crowded bank.
Sad thing was no one even closer to the door offered her assistance and when he came back in no one offered his place back to him.

In this age it’s very easy to get caught up in a sense of entitlement. Pushing our way past people, not letting people out in front of us. Getting angry when the guy in front of us accidentally gets in the wrong lane and slows us up for a second. How dare they!

I have been trying VERY hard to slow down and get out of self. I may be having a crappy day, but I betcha someone out there has it much worse than me!

Taking the time to hold a door open, pay for the guys order behind you at the drive thru, allow a car to go ahead of you even though you are in a hurry, well, it’s so easy to do and it could really make a difference in the day of the life of a stranger! Not to mention you get the benefit of feeling all warm and happy inside too!

I am all for random acts of kindness.

Great post Lance! I always look forward to reading your blog. I find it very uplifting. You are a blessing in my life that I’m very thankful for! 🙂

Hi Lance,
It’s all about this isn’t it? I think this is the secret to a happy life and a better world. Little gestures are the wings of a butterfly which cause an avalanche (literally and figuratively) on the other side of the world (or just around the corner).
The touch of a hand (my post today), a simple thank you or a little note behind a stranger’s windshield (I love that idea – although someone might think they have a stalker here).
Thanks for the reminder, which we need constantly.

Really love this thought.
To some people, this comes really naturally. It’s in their nature and they don’t actually think of it as doing something for others.
Even just giving a smile to someone as you walk past can lift someone – well it works for me anyway!

I have the opportunity most days to “give” away a cup of coffee or fountain drink. I try to be random about it, but I’m also a softie. Anyone coming in who looks sad or stressed usually gets it. I also don’t charge my regulars for refills on Monday mornings…Mondays are hard enough! Because of the appreciation these people show (and most do, but some don’t, and I feel for them), I’ve kept my eyes open for other ways to extend a little random kindness…letting a frazzled mother go ahead of me in the grocery store check out, writing a note of praise to my staff, bringing my husband a little treat from work…the more I practice it, the more ways I find!

Lance, your timing is uncanny. Just this morning my BF made some coffee and though I didn’t have time to drink it, he put it into a take-away cup for me. When I said how sweet that was, he just looked at me and said “It’s the little things”. Then I saw your post. I know exactly what you are talking about. Thanks for this post – you made me share a bit about my personal life, and I don’t usually do that, but your post was just too spot on.

@ Brandi, I went to your link and loved the idea of love notes. Tried to leave a comment but the page wouldn’t load so I’m leaving one here – what you’re doing is beautiful!

@Jay – We are a connected world, yes we are! That you wrote a similar story today, just really shows how this connection is there. Thank you, Jay, for sharing your story, too – a very personal one, and I’m sure it was not easy to write.

@Jennifer – Thank you, Jennifer. And, what a nice thing you did – so simple, yet I’m sure it was a big help for her. And I find this to be very uplifting. And yet, sad. Sad – in that we’ve come to not expect this from others because – as the husband said – “People don’t do that anymore.” Sad that we don’t take the time to offer a small bit of help. What did it take you, 15 seconds, 30 seconds, a minute tops? Who can’t spare that to help someone else? We get caught up and don’t notice, or get too focused on what we’re doing. You were, you are, a light Jennifer…

@Mark/ToBeMe – Great example of the Obama inauguration – a big thing that really was the result of many both small and large things. It all matters, everything we do…

@Juliet – Perhaps this is the time, Juliet – anonymous kindness – I’m not sure I’ve done that much of it either…maybe it’s time for me as well.

@Broderick – Getting out what you put in – it is true. Maybe some days won’t feel like it, maybe some days will be rough – yet there are great things awaiting those who are doing great things today – and that’s definitely the little things as well!

@Bobbi – Very nice thing to do, Bobbi! I’m sure it was a real surprise – and one whe welcomed and enjoyed very much. Random Acts of Kindness as a love language – very cool!

@Kim – The little signs of love being who we really are – I like that very much Kim! It’s a wonderful way to look at love!

@Patricia – Spiritual Journey of a Lightworker — That is so awesome, Patricia! The Universe is working in mysterious ways to bring it all together for you!

@Stacey Shipman – …and the little things don’t seem so overwhelming – that’s such an important point. That which seems overwhelming is less likely to happen. Yet, if it doesn’t seem so – then these little gestures become easy – once we start doing them.

@Mark Salinas – The notes on cars is a pretty cool idea! Or picking up the tab for coffee, or maybe at a drive-thru. So many little things we could do – only limited by our imagination!

@Audra – Hi Audra! Today is a very great day! Words can be powerful – either negatively or positively powerful. And that’s something very important to remember – how what we say can have such an effect. I know you use words that are affirming and uplifting – and really inspire and lead people to great heights – and that’s very awesome Audra!

@Marelisa – Hi Mare. A simple act – and even though you didn’t need it – just the act of offering – was a special moment! I’m guessing you left there feeling pretty upbeat, and so did he!

@Bunny – Bridge being built by love – that is wonderful, isn’t it! Your boyfriend did a wonderful thing – and yet – should it seem wonderful? Was there a day, in a distant past – where this would have been the norm – where we wouldn’t have thought it special? It is special, and it is wonderful. And it’s sad that no one esle offered to help, and no one offered his spot back… This reminds me of the song “Anyway” by Martina McBride – about doing things anyway, even though we might get hurt (or lose our place in line)…

@Natalia – Your welcome Natalia, and really – thank you for spurring this post on! Entitlement! That’s a great point – thinking we’re entitled to our spot in line, or entitled to preferred treatment because of our status, or entitled to whatever we think of. And, as bad as our day is today – it’s probably worse for someone else – and that person – were we to come across them – could probably use our help. If we’d just look for it. Continue to be random and kind Natalia!

@Mindful Mimi – That’s the thing – we never really know for sure just how far reaching our little gestures of love can be. And wheter they reach around the corner, or around the world – they are so worth it. The notes on the windshield – that is an awesome idea, isn’t it! Thank you Mimi!

@Alik – Thanks much! Love is a powerful four-letter word — I love that idea (and I see I used the word love!)!!

@Vered – Thanks so much, Vered! It is easy to be kind with close family – and then sometimes, I find, it’s easy to be not so kind with them too. It’s an area I can definitely work on…

@Tara – Hi Tara! A simple smile sure can brighten someone’s step – and it’s so easy to do. Yes, it does seem to come more naturally to some – and yet – I also think this is something that the more we do it, the easier it becomes too.

@Very Evolved – Thanks Patrick! Really, thank you very much! See, something like this, a short comment left here for me – has brightened my day. Yours. And everyone else who has left one here!

@BJ – Hi BJ. Well, this is really very cool! A random coffee given away on most days – what a great feeling that must be. And for your regulars on Monday’s — gosh, no wonder you’re smiling in your picture! I don’t know – I think you are just doing awesome at this concept of “small gestures of love” – we could all learn so much from you! Thanks so much for sharing your own experiences here – they really are very inspiring!

@Daphne – Uncanny, huh? Aw, that was very nice of him to do (and the “little things” – he knows – I’d say he’s a keeper!). And, Daphne, thank you for sharing a little personal story with us – I love it! Seeing you this way is wonderful! And now you’re really making me want to check out Brandi’s link!!

Your post reminds me about the Validation movie I put up on my site a month ago. We can most certainly spread love as simple as telling someone how great they are. Sincerely, of course!

I’m also liking the fact that personal development sites across the blogosphere are all singing the same messages. Collectively, we can do more to effect a rise in consciousness. Change we can believe in.

My one small gesture is to compliment you on your thoughts. You always have a way of reaching me when I’m stressed out and struggling with life. I’m building for my future, but in the mean time I can still take time to offer a great morning to a co-worker or offer to cook for my wife, so she can stay off her feet.

I’ve done this, in our recent snow storms, twice after work I stayed later and cleaned off cars for others who were still working so that maybe after their long day, they didn’t have to be out in the cold to clean their cars. I didn’t do it for praise, doubt they even knew it was me, but it made me feel good!

Hi Lance,
It is very important for us to always take gestures of love to others. However, it even more important that we take gestures of love toward ourselves as a priority. If we want to give love to other, first we have to have love within. Think about it this way. We are the soil, and what ever we wish to give out are our plants. Just like you can’t grow tomato, in soil that has no nutrition. Everything start within..

@Evelyn – When done sincerely, small gestures really mean so much. Sincerity is a great point, Evelyn. If w’re not sincere, we come across as fake – and that’s not good for anyone. The “Validation” movie is a great example of people really desiring these small gestures in their life. We all do!

@LisaNewton – And how easy is that – saying “thank you”, or offering a smile? We can all do that, anytime – and make a real difference…

@Karl – Thank you, Karl! And yes – there are all sorts of things we can do to make others lives easier. Great examples, and I bet your wife really appreciates all you do for her!

@Jenny – Very cool, Jenny! Doing something like this – brushing the snow off another’s car – will be a special surprise for them – and it leaves you feeling really good! A win-win!

@Giovanna – Oh, great point Giovanna! Starting from within, self-care, loving ourselves – that is so important. The soil example is so perfect for this. If our “soil” – our internal mechanisms – are aligned – our soil is rich – and what we give out grows in such wonderful ways!

Lance
Your reminder that we get out of life what we put into it is so true. When we send love out it comes back multiplied. When we send out positive energy, everyone around us feels good. Little acts of love and kindness, whether random or planned for someone special, send out tons of positive energy.

Thanks for this..again! I love visiting your site and being reminded that there is so much greatness in this world! Love this message and realize more and more that a small gesture of kindness really does go a long way!

This is a very nice idea. My favorites for friends and those I work with is either to encourage them if they’re needing encouragement, or to make them laugh. For strangers, I like to open doors for people. I once cleaned the snow off my neighbor’s car — she has rheumatoid arthritis. And another neighbor did the same for me.

Small gestures of kindness and concern can mean so much. When I was having a rough time in my 20s, I received and a letter of encouragement that ended with a simple “keep your chin up.” At the time, it altered my whole perspective.

I don’t believe we realize the power we have to either love someone or tear them down. Sometimes it seams riskier to put yourself out there and give the love when self protection seems to be the more natural thing to do. Thanks for the encouragement to risk Lance.

Lance, this is eerie. I was just thinking about this topic and I come across your post! I have been noticing that my father tries to do small things for me and my wife all the time. He is convinced that I am over worked and so offers to do various things at home. These offers are so touching and affectionate that I have no words to express my emotions. I do not allow him if I can, as he is not very steady on his feet, but the offers are indeed priceless.

Whether anonymous or not, you know how I feel about ideas like this – they are indeed an amazing way to live.

We just can never take for granted the impact our words or actions have on others. And the best part is, is that we come in contact with people everyday and at every moment we have the choice to act kindly and out of love or not. In my view, there is no “right” or “wrong” choice – there is just the choice that will bring us to experience a higher version of ourselves than we have ever known or not.

Beautiful quote and poem, Lance. Truly inspiring.
I like when you said everyday we can make a difference. I also remember your comment a few days ago that said : maybe leaving a comment on the someone’s article is a small gesture for us but could bring a great meaning for them.
Thanks Lance. 🙂

@Kathy – The positive energy and love that we send out – all of this does come back to us! It is very uplifting!

@Rupal – Thanks, Rupal! The small really do go along way, and it’s because, I think, that’s what feel personal to others – and developing that personal connection is such a bond.

@Dot – Great examples, all of them, Dot – thanks for sharing this all here. Sometimes our small gestures are as simple as encouraging someone. A few words of encouragement can really go a long way, when it’s just what someone needed to hear. And you never know when that’s the case – someone needing some extra encouragement.

@Henie – Doinng some small act “anonymously” really is powerful. And that’s for both the one doing the act, and the one receiving. Thank you, Henie – you have a way of doing this…

@SpaceAgeSage — Lori – Thanks for sharing this time earlier in your life, Lori. That’s a great example of what a small gesture really can do. Powerful!

@Laurie – Putting yourself “out there” can feel very risky! Our words and actions are powerful – for good or for bad. And that’s a point well worth remembering also.

@Fit Mommy – Thanks much Rachel!

@Rummuser – That’s a real gift of love from your father, Ramana. Treasure those moments. In regards to the commentluv issue – I’ve noticed that also, and I’m not sure what’s causing it.

@Evita – Thank you, so much, Evita. Yes, I know – this is something you connect with. I think many of us do – connect with this concept. The real thing is doing it. And that I know you do, as well. You’re so right – we are presented with a myriad of opportunities to do this every day. And we have the choice (our choice) on what to do – to act out of love, or not. And reaching for the higher version of ourselves – what a wonderful place to reach for!

@Dara – That’s a great way to think about this. To think about times in our life when we have been impacted by receiving some of these small gestures – and then to recall how that made us feel. Thinking that way, we really can let this concept sink into our souls…and then go out and spread that good. I loved this photo too. It’s not mine…because I think I’d be hard-pressed to get a photo like that of all three! We do have this picture from this past summer while we were on vacation – all three in a group hug picture – and it’s one I treasure very much. (probably because it doesn’t happen very often!)

@Jannie – Thank you, Jannie, so much – for all you say and do…

@Arswino – Thank you, very much, Arswino. And, thanks for remembering what I have wrote in the past – this really means a lot to me. Comments can be so powerful – and it only has to take a minute of your time – and that minute really can mean the world to the receiver of that comment.

@Cricket – You have a good heart, Tammy. It shines through in everything you write. You’re leaving small gestures everywhere you go. Thank you!

You have a great point here, it’s time that the community values were put back into life, the small things that we can do for each other, while not costing us much in effort, can really make a difference to other people’s lives.

The new President said in his inaugaral speech that we all need to look out for each other during these times of economic lows, but it’s not just a case of maybe taking a cut in wages so that a fellow worker might keep their job, it’s also just the simple things, such as helping an elderley neighbor to clear snow from their yard, picking up litter, or carrying heavy bags for someone.

You never know when you might be in need of someone else to give you a helping hand, so be nice and start racking up those brownie points now while you can.

Good deeds tend to rub off, as seen very well in the new series of Libery Mutual television commercials, whereone person does a good deed and inspires the next to follow suit. We all need to be like that.

Thanks to Daphne.Because her interview made me curious about your blog and finally i found you here.How lucky I am to read awesome thoughts and posts like this.I really like your posts.These things expose your inner self and your kind heart.Thanks once again and I’ll be frequently coming here.

I had to come back over to share. My teen son actually approached a old lady at the grocery store yesterday to see if she needed help with the groceries to her car. I didn’t mention a word to him. I was standing still in amazement. Oh, I think I had a moment of “I must be doing something right!.”

I agree totally with you. I know from my own experience that being kind and loving in small doses can be powerful and life altering. The Universe is like a bank; you get back what you put in with interest…and as see this bank, actions are more valuable than money!

Love really is found in the little things of everyday life. It’s too easy to forget that. I thought is strange that we are very polite to complete strangers, yet rude and unkind to those we love. Showing love helps keep a nice balance. 🙂

Lovely!! Lance, I love this post and most certainly will link to it during my “Speaking of Love” party next weekend at Bliss Habits. I had another thought too… since you handle this love topic so beautifully, that if you were interested in stopping by with a guest post on the topic, I’d be delighted to include it in the line-up! I know it is a crazy last minute invitation and I completely understand if it doesn’t work but I wanted to extend the invitation in any case!Kathy from Bliss Habits´s Last Fabulous Post ..Speaking of Trust…Won’t you share yours?

Lance! I have to apologize!! I so wanted to feature this post in Saturday’s “Speaking of Love” post but when it came time to put my post together I apparently did not save your link in the file I thought I did! I spent a good 30 minutes trying to retrace my steps from the weeks before (man I guess I visit a lot of blogs!!) trying to find this post… yeesh! So much for my organizational skills!!

I have now added a link from this post to that party and I will be back in the future to to properly feature some of your marvelous work!!Kathy from Bliss Habits´s Last Fabulous Post ..“the present little inch before you”

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